Self portraits can be a little intimidating, especially if you need to get a new photo for a certain occasion or deadline. Over the years, I've taken hundreds of self portraits (yikes!) for blog posts, craft projects and to entertain myself, of course! When you don't have a camera savvy friend available it can be fun to take your own portraits. Here are five easy tips for getting the best photos you can...
The first thing most people try when taking self portraits is a photo at arms length. This is when you hold the camera out as far as you can and try to snap a photo of yourself without looking into the viewfinder. These photos sometimes have an awkward looking arm (the one holding the camera out) and or unflattering on-camera flash because they are taken so close to the face. When taking arms length photos I usually use my wide angle lens (see my complete camera/lens list here). Since a wide angle tends to distort the outer edges of the frame I usually crop the photo quite a bit.
Remember, one of the best things about taking self portraits is that you can look at what you have and take more if you want to. Check the angle and lighting and find the most flattering position. I like to sit facing a window when I take photos (with the flash turned off). window light can be really nice on the skin.
Reflective self portraits are really fun to take. Most of the photos I chose for this post were taken in a mirror. Here are my tricks... Look into the mirror at your camera lens and you'll appear to be looking at the camera in your photo (never look at yourself in the mirrow when taking a photo). Turn the flash off (I almost never use my flash). Try a lot of different angles. You can hold the camera really low or high so that it isn't seen in your photo. I always take a deep breath before firing the camera so that I can hold it as still as possible. Reflective photos can be lots of fun! Be sure to try different rooms in your home to find the best lighting.
Contrary to what some people say, a downward angle isn't the only flattering way to photograph yourself. I actually don't really like being photographed from above. As I experimented with my self portraits I learned that I like to be photographed straight ahead or slightly from below. I am comfortable with my profile so I like photos where my face is slightly angled better than facing forward. Try some different angles and figure out what you feel most comfortable with. There's no right or wrong angle since every face is so different. Find what works best for you!
A couple years ago I tried to do the 365 self portrait challenge where you take one every day for a year. It was super fun at first and I learned a lot. But after the first month I started to get really bored with doing the same thing every day. It's easy to fall into patterns and stick within your personal comfort zone. Try challenging youself to experiment with something brand new. It can be lighting, styling, posing or location, just to name a few. Try something you've never tried before!
Self portraits can be so much more than a flattering or pretty photo. They can tell a little story! You can capture memories by creating a series of self portraits about your everyday life, your personality or your quirks. Think about the things that make your life unique that never get captured in photos. It's easy to overlook everyday things, but try incorporating them into your next self portrait!
Have fun playing around! I hope this post has been helpful and encouraging. XO. Elsie
Great tips, thank you. I already tried out most of them but some were new to me.
Posted by: Juliette | August 10, 2011 at 04:09 AM
great post!! :) Thank you.. But, i use a camera pocket. Can you give me a tips? :)
http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: irene wibowo | August 10, 2011 at 04:20 AM
Elsie! Thank you SO much!! You have no idea how much I love this post. Your photos are gorgeous and now I feel SUPER inspired to take my own self portraits! Thank you, thank you, thank you. <3
Posted by: Efrat K | August 10, 2011 at 05:01 AM
nice post, great tips!
thanks Elsie and have a wonderful Wednesday!
Posted by: anne | August 10, 2011 at 05:02 AM
I HATE taking self portraits - I feel so silly! But after reading this I think I'll give it a bit more of a go :) Thanks!
Posted by: Hayley Thorncraft | August 10, 2011 at 05:06 AM
This might be a bit controversial, but 99% of the time I feel like your blog is just a vanity parade, full of picture after picture of yourself. Does EVERY post really need a picture of you in it? Everyone knows you're pretty. This post just seemed like an excuse to post a million more pictures.
Posted by: Alice | August 10, 2011 at 05:11 AM
I should try taking more self-portraits. I always end up taking pictures of my hubby and kids and no one except for my mom, whenever around, doesn't seem interested in taking mine. This results in missing memories of my self image from family gatherings, excursions etc... A BIG thanks for the great tips and thanks for clearing out that taking your own photo isn't smth to be bashful of.
Posted by: Sophia | August 10, 2011 at 05:18 AM
What a wonderful five tips post. I am inspired to go out and try them right now.
I have been working on some more self portraits and it is hard not to get frustrated.
This post has given me a lot of good ideas.
Thanks a bunch
anna
Posted by: olive green anna | August 10, 2011 at 05:20 AM
hey elsie great post! which lens do you use for most of your self portraits? i only have a 50mm 1.4 and think i need to get a wider one as that one is soooo close.
Posted by: kat rock n roll bride | August 10, 2011 at 05:23 AM
Thanks for the awesome tips!
Posted by: Christina Carnoy | August 10, 2011 at 05:29 AM
Brilliant tips! I can really use these, because until now I can't manage to take a good shot of myself, self portrait that is. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: BuyWoWAccounts | August 10, 2011 at 05:43 AM
Thanks, Elsie! I've been struggling with my little point-and-shoot to take some self portraits lately, particularyly when I'm trying to get a whole outfit in! Practise, practise...and a lot of cropping!
PS: weird comment from someone above about how all your blog pots have your own picture in them! Er, it's your blog, who else are you going to post pictures of?!! I'm sure you're experienced enough to rise above that sort of negativity, but I just wanted to say, for the record, that I like the fact you include pictures of yourself, as I feel that it helps me get to know you a little better. I like to have a face to go with the name. So there.
Posted by: Eleni Drinks Tea | August 10, 2011 at 05:45 AM
Such a helpful post, I could have done with this a few weeks ago when I needed to send a photo of myself off to another blog. I hate having my photo taken, but am fairly useless when it comes to taking self portraits.... but maybe this will now all change!
Thank you Elsie!
Love from London,
Birdie
x
Posted by: Bird | August 10, 2011 at 06:00 AM
Great post...some wonderful tips. I've tried the mirror self-portraits a few times but never really knew where to look. Thanks for enlightening me :) Love your blog! I'm getting married next year and your wedding posts have been such an amazing source of inspiration.
www.theheadlessmannequin.blogspot.com
Posted by: TheHeadlessMannequin | August 10, 2011 at 06:26 AM
This post came at the perfect time for me! I just bought a new DSLR (my first one) and had no idea how I was going to manage taking a self-portrait with it. I only have a larger lens 18-135 right now so I think it's going to be a bit tricky getting used to holding the camera away from my body, but I'll definitely use your tips and give it a whirl! Thank you so much - your photos are inspiring and beautiful.
Posted by: Kalyn | August 10, 2011 at 06:49 AM
What great tips. I especially like your last point ...
Kelly @
Elegantly Academic
Posted by: Kelly | August 10, 2011 at 06:52 AM
Thank you. These are wonderful tips. I can't wait to try it out the next time I feel camera happy. I've always preferred taking pics of myself so this is definitely helpful!
Posted by: Jhan | August 10, 2011 at 07:04 AM
definitely going to try some of these out!
http://breatheandhush.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Katie | August 10, 2011 at 07:15 AM
great tips, I think these are very important specially for bloggers that share tons of pictures in their content, Also a good camera takes you to long places! Wide angle lens I love <3
Posted by: Miss Lou | August 10, 2011 at 07:29 AM
Great tips!
I always use a tripod and remote when I take self portraits. The extended arm thing is hard when you have a DSLR!
♥ Gina Michele
CrochetClouds.com
Posted by: Gina Michele | August 10, 2011 at 07:50 AM